Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford side had a strong win over rivals Kilkenny on Sunday in front of a packed out Innovate Wexford Park.

Kilkenny were the better side for much of the first half but seemed overrun in the second as the Yellowbellies came to the fore and dominated their Leinster counterparts, outscoring them 1-11 to 0-2 in 35 minutes of hurling.

One man who was influential in Wexford’s second-half performance was the ever-versatile, Lee Chin, which will come as great news for Wexford fans heading into the knock-out rounds of the Allianz Hurling League as well as the Championship.

Chin was everywhere in the second period. He played much of the game around the middle third and got himself on a lot of ball. He scored, he assisted, he tackled and he defended. It was a true workmanlike performance of a man who seems to be back to his best following a somewhat disappointing 2018.

In this week’s edition of Spotlight, we examine the role Lee Chin played in Wexford’s comeback and subsequent win on Sunday.

___

Chin’s first significant involvement of the second half was his assist for Pádraig Foley to bring Wexford back to within four points.

Paul Morris collects a sideline ball before driving at the Kilkenny defence. When he receives the ball Chin is at centre-forward, but he pulls out, both to try and create space as well as make himself available for the pass. You can see in the image below that he is pointing for the ball to be distributed back out.

Credit: TG4

The Faith Harriers star finally gets his hands on the ball before stepping inside the Kilkenny defender.

It’s clear that he is looking for the shot but he knows that it’s not on.

Credit: TG4

He passes back to Foley who is left with enough space to fire over and start the Wexford revival.

Credit: TG4Credit: TG4

___

Ten minutes later and Wexford are still looking to claw their way back into the game. They are three points behind and in need of a score.

Chin picks up the ball around midfield and it’s clear he only has one thing on his mind. Again he shows the Kilkenny defence a clean pair of heels with two silky sidesteps.

Credit: TG4Credit: TG4

Despite the close attention, Chin is able to create the space for himself to fire over and bring Wexford to within two points.

Credit: TG4Credit: TG4

___

It’s not just about attacking for Lee Chin, he also knows how to defend and is not afraid to get his hands dirty and do some of the donkey work.

Wexford have finally drawn level. Kilkenny are on the attack, but the Wexford defence stand strong, forcing the ball to slip out.

It’s at this point that Chin appears on camera to scoop the ball up and drive it out of defence.

Chin shows his strength, shaking off the challenge of the Kilkenny forward before putting the ball on a plate for Rory O’Connor to fire Wexford into a lead that they never surrender.

Credit: TG4Credit: TG4

___

Chine finished the game with 0-3 to his name and arguably his finest point of the day came when he was drafted into the full forward line.

Wexford have edged in front at this stage and yet again have denied Kilkenny from scoring.

The ball is played long into Chin who has acres of space to run into.

Credit: TG4

Chin shows us all the instincts of an inside forward, turning on a sixpence to get away from the Kilkenny defender before firing over the crossbar to give Wexford some breathing space.

Related

About Michael Corry

Digital Sports Journalist based in Dublin.
Proud 'Nordy' who loves anything Armagh related. Gaelic football head.
Hit me up if you have a unique story to tell.
Email: michael@punditarena.com
Twitter: @Corry_10
Instagram: @Corry_10